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Introduction: Because of the rapidly increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), this study aimed to investigate the individual characteristics and state-level prevalence of U.S. adults who have switched to e-cigarettes from traditional cigarettes.Methods: Data from the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 National Adult Tobacco Surveys were analyzed in 2016. Relative percent change in switching was estimated, and the state-specific prevalence of adults who switched to e-cigarettes from traditional cigarettes was calculated and mapped. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine how switching varied by sociodemographic subgroups and region.Results: Overall, the number of individuals who switched from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes increased by approximately 100% over the 1-year interval. Significant increases were found among a number of sociodemographics and regions. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that young adults and those living in the South and West were more likely to switch to e-cigarettes, compared to former smokers who did not switch. Compared with current dual users, those with higher education and those who were not single were more likely to switch to e-cigarettes. The state with the highest prevalence of switching was New Mexico (7.3%), whereas Connecticut had the lowest prevalence (0.8 %) among former smokers.Conclusions: There is an increase in the progression from traditional cigarette use to e-cigarette use. Further research is warranted to determine whether this change continues and facilitates cigarette smoking cessation as a possible public health benefit and opportunity to save lives rather than constitutes a potential threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, corrosion behaviors of commercial austenitic, ferritic stainless steels, and duplex stainless steel with B2-NiAl were investigated in simulated PWR primary water environments with and without zinc addition. In addition, electrochemical methods such as EIS and Mott-Schottky analyses were utilized to investigate oxide layers. Zinc was incorporated mainly into chromium-rich spinel. For austenitic stainless steel, improvement on corrosion was observed, however other stainless steels showed less effects by zinc addition. It was found that beneficial effect of zinc addition depends on chromium content of matrix and the presence of low chromium-containing phase reduced beneficial effect. • The effect of zinc addition on various stainless steels (SS) was investigated in PWR environment. • Zinc was incorporated into Cr-rich spinel, but not into Fe-rich spinel and Chromia region. • For austenitic SS, improvement on corrosion was observed, however other SSs were less affected. • For alumina-forming duplex SS, zinc addition was less beneficial due to presence of low-chromium B2 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the first record of Reticulitermes kanmonensis from Korea verified using soldier morphological characters and haplotypes obtained from two mitochondrial genes. R. kanmonensis Takematsu, 1999 (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) was collected from Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc. (Pinaceae) stumps in two provinces, Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. We compared R. kanmonensis with the more common Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis Morimoto, 1968 using morphological and molecular characters. In the morphological comparison, R. kanmonensis was distinguished from R. speratus kyushuensis by a significantly higher number of hairs on the pronotum and ratio of the posterior postmentum width and length. In the molecular comparison, R. kanmonensis revealed genetic differences of 5.49% (range 5.20%–5.80%) and 8.11% (range 8.00%–8.80%) from R. speratus kyushuensis using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( COI ) and subunit II ( COII ) gene sequences, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether aqueous extract of the root of Platycodon grandiflorum A. de Candolle (APG), platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin significantly affect the production and secretion of airway mucin using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Effect of APG was checked on hypersecretion of pulmonary mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced bronchitis in rats. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with platycodinD3 or deapi-platycodin for 30min and then stimulated with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) for 24h. The MUC5AC mucin production and secretion were measured by ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) APG stimulated the secretion of airway mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced bronchitis rat model; (2) platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively; (3) however, platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin did not inhibit but stimulated the secretion of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively. This result suggests that aqueous extract of P. grandiflorum A. de Candolle and the two natural products derived from it, platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin, can regulate the production and secretion of airway mucin and, at least in part, explains the traditional use of aqueous extract of P. grandiflorum A. de Candolle as expectorants in diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated whether aqueous extract of the root of Platycodon grandiflorum A. de Candolle (APG), platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin significantly affect the production and secretion of airway mucin using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Effect of APG was checked on hypersecretion of pulmonary mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced bronchitis in rats. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with platycodinD3 or deapi-platycodin for 30min and then stimulated with PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) for 24h. The MUC5AC mucin production and secretion were measured by ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) APG stimulated the secretion of airway mucin in sulfur dioxide-induced bronchitis rat model; (2) platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively; (3) however, platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin did not inhibit but stimulated the secretion of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively. This result suggests that aqueous extract of P. grandiflorum A. de Candolle and the two natural products derived from it, platycodinD3 and deapi-platycodin, can regulate the production and secretion of airway mucin and, at least in part, explains the traditional use of aqueous extract of P. grandiflorum A. de Candolle as expectorants in diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we investigated whether aqueous extract of Liriope Tuber, ophiopogonin D and spicatoside A derived from Liriope Tuber affect basal or phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PMA)-induced airway mucin production and secretion from airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were treated with each agent for 24h (basal production) or pretreated with each agent for 30min and then stimulated with PMA for 24h (PMA-induced production and secretion), respectively. MUC5AC airway mucin production and secretion were measured by ELISA. The results were as follows: (1) aqueous extract of Liriope Tuber stimulated basal mucin production and did not inhibit but increased PMA-induced mucin production; (2) ophiopogonin D and spicatoside A stimulated basal mucin production and did not inhibit but increased PMA-induced mucin production; (3) two compounds increased PMA-induced mucin secretion. These results suggest that ophiopogonin D and spicatoside A can increase mucin production and secretion, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells and, at least in part, explain the traditional use of aqueous extract of Liriope Tuber as expectorants in diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate a) daily patterns of park use, leisure-time physical activity and stress, b) relationship of daily park use and leisure-time physical activity with stress; and c) the combined effects of daily park use and leisure-time physical activity on stress, and whether associations of daily park use and leisure-time physical activity with stress are independent. Singapore citizens/permanent residents 21-75 years-of-age from the Multi-Ethnic Cohort were enrolled into this study. Participants received mobile Ecological Momentary Assessment (mEMA) mini-surveys for up to nine days via their smartphone, with daily questions on park use and leisure-time physical activity, and perceived stress level in the evening. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, day-to-day variation in park use, leisure-time physical activity and stress. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations assessed relationships of daily park use and leisure time physical activity with stress. A total of 605 participants providing 4678 EMA responses to mini-surveys were included in the analyses. Participants who visited parks during a day were less stressed on the same evening than those who did not visit parks (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.58–0.77). Likewise, participants who were physically active during a day were less stressed on the same evening than those who were not physically active (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.64–0.82). Daily park use and leisure-time physical activity on the same day was also associated with less stress (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.49–0.69), and this measure of association was lower than those comparing daily engagement in only 1 of the 2 activities. The effects of park use and physical activity on lower perceived stress were independent. Both daily park use and leisure time physical activity during the day were associated with reduced evening stress. These relationships were independent of one another, suggesting that each activity on its own is beneficial to reducing stress amongst adults in urban settings. • Studies investigating association of park use and physical activity with stress are rare. • This study used ecological momentary assessment methods. • Daily park use and leisure-time physical activity were independently associated with lower stress. • The combination of reporting park use and leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower stress than either alone. • Health promotion strategies could target both park visitation and physical activity within parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most studies investigating the role of neighborhoods in HIV-related outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) exclusively focus on the residential environment. • Spatial mobility was documented with both self-reported survey data and objective GPS data, which provided uncorrelated information. • Almost two-thirds (62.9%) of participants' GPS points were recorded in NYC ZIP code tabulation areas within the highest quartile of HIV prevalence. • Compared to males, it was found that transfemale, genderqueer, and other MSM spent a much higher fraction of their non-home GPS time in high HIV prevalence areas. The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify spatial mobility among HIV-negative young men who have sex with men (YMSM) within and across high prevalence HIV neighborhoods in New York City (NYC). We completed an analysis with global positioning system (GPS) and survey data to quantify spatial mobility for participants enrolled in the P18 Neighborhood Study (analytic n = 211; 83.4%). Spatial mobility was documented with self-reported survey data and objective GPS data, which was uncorrelated. Nearly one-quarter of participants (26.1%) said that they consider the neighborhood in which they currently live to differ from the neighborhood in which they had sex most frequently. In addition, 62.9% of participants' GPS points were recorded in NYC ZIP Code Tabulation Areas within the highest quartile of HIV prevalence. Future studies of YMSM populations should be conducted to examine how environments beyond the residential neighborhood can influence sexual health, which may guide HIV prevention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined associations between neighborhood social cohesion and sexual risk behaviors among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM), and none have among Black SMM in the southern U.S. The purpose of the current study is to examine associations between neighborhood social cohesion and sexual risk behaviors among Black SMM in the southern U.S., a population heavily impacted by HIV. We also examined whether these relationships are modified by religious participation for Black SMM in the southern U.S. Data was obtained from the MARI Study, a sample of Black SMM ages 18–66 years, recruited from the Jackson, MS and Atlanta, GA metropolitan areas (n = 354). Neighborhood social cohesion was assessed with a validated 5-item scale. We conducted multivariable regression analyses to examine the association between neighborhood social cohesion with each of the sexual risk behaviors (e.g., condomless sex and drug use before or during sex), controlling for key confounders. We then performed moderation analysis by religious participation (religious attendance and private religiosity). Compared to Black SMM with higher perceived neighborhood social cohesion, Black SMM with lower neighborhood social cohesion had increased odds of alcohol use before or during sex (aPR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.16–2.11) and condomless anal sex with casual partners (aPR = 1.55; 1.03–2.32). However, the magnitude of these associations varied by religious attendance and private religiosity. Black SMM with low religious service attendance had higher risk of alcohol use in the context of sex when perceived neighborhood social cohesion was low; those with high private religiosity had elevated alcohol use in the context of sex when perceived neighborhood social cohesion was low. Interventions that target connectedness among neighborhood members through community education or mobilization efforts, including the involvement of religious organizations, should be considered for HIV prevention focused on alcohol and condomless sex among Black SMM. • Neighborhood social cohesion was associated with sexual risk behaviors. • The magnitude of these associations varied by religious participation. • Further research is needed to investigate mechanisms in associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stilbenes, including resveratrol and viniferins, a small family of polyphenols, are considered the most important phytoalexin group in Vitis species. In a previous study, we found that co-treatment of methyl jasmonate (MJ) and stevioside (STE) resulted in enhanced extracellular production of viniferins in grapevine cell suspension cultures. Thus, to further understand the mechanisms of viniferin production in grapevine cell cultures, we performed transcriptome analysis and isolated seven candidates of grapevine peroxidase genes (VlAPX6 , VlGPX5 , VlPRX13 , VlPRX21 , VlPRX35 , VlPRX40 , and VlPRX50). Bioconversion of trans -resveratrol to δ-viniferin was examined using crude protein extracts isolated from agroinfiltration-based transient expression of VlPRXs in Nicotiana benthamiana. In addition, we found that crude protein extracts from VlPRX21 -, VlPRX35 -, and VlPRX40 -overexpressing (OX) transgenic Arabidopsis plants led to the conversion of trans -resveratrol to δ-viniferin. We found that in vitro experiments with crude protein extracts from VlPRX21 -OX and VlPRX35 -OX Arabidopsis plants catalyzed the dimerization of trans -resveratrol to δ-viniferin. Our results suggest that VlPRX21 and VlPRX35 encode functional grapevine class III peroxidases and catalyze the oxidative dimerization of trans -resveratrol to form δ-viniferin in grapevine. • Transcriptome analysis was performed to isolate the genes responsible for δ-viniferin production. • Transcript levels of VlPRX21, VlPRX35, and VlPRX40 grapevine peroxidase genes were enhanced by MJ and STE treatments. • Overexpression of VlPRX21 and VlPRX35 led to bioconversion of resveratrol to δ-viniferin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guest–host coatable polarizers were manufactured by liquid crystalline polymers and dichroic azo dyes. The highest dichroic ratio of the polarizers was observed within the permissible limit of guest concentration, because any increase in the guest concentrations beyond the permissible limit decreased the alignment ability of the host. The orientational behavior of dye molecules in guest–host systems tend to be more sensitive to intermolecular steric hindrance as compared to that in PVA-based polarizing films. Also, the polarity difference between guest and host molecules had a great effect on the alignment of the guest–host system. Long conjugation, abundant π-electrons for transfer and the charge distribution without deviation from the long axis are required for a highly anisotropic transition dipole moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various dichroic dyes were synthesized and applied to two different host materials for the study of optimized molecular structures of guest–host system for the coatable polarizer using liquid crystalline polymers. The host material containing planar and linear mesogens had an advantage in exhibiting high orientation orders, but easily formed disclinations due to causing the strong intermolecular attraction between the guest and host molecules. The balance of intermolecular attraction and repulsion between the guest and host molecules is important to simultaneously achieve high orientations and uniform alignments without disclinations. The highest dichroic ratio of coatable polarizers was obtained when the π-conjugation lengths of guest and host molecules have an appropriate ratio. Also, the guest molecules with a long π-conjugation length improved the orientation of host molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antioxidant activities, total polyphenols and flavonoids, and antimicrobial effects in some plant pigments were determined in order to use these natural materials for cosmetics. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, % of control at maximum plants extract concentrations of 2500mg/L) in the thirteen natural plant pigments (black rice, purple sweet potato, yellow bitter melon, yellow paprika, red cabbage, yellow gardenia, blue gardenia, Chinese foxglove, mulberry leave, onion peel, grape peel, mulberry and red beet) ranged from 88.9% for red cabbage to 18.0% for blue gardenia. The highest total polyphenol content (404.2μg/ml) was measured in the onion peel pigment, and the lowest was in Chinese foxglove pigment (11.4μg/ml). The red cabbage had the highest total flavonoid amount which was 95.5μg/ml. The antimicrobial activities of the natural plant pigments were evaluated using the agar diffusion method. Most of the natural pigments for Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus showed the clear zone formation of growth inhibition. Purple sweet potato, mulberry, mulberry leaf, grape peel, and blue gardenia showed high antimicrobial activities. These findings suggest that the pigments derived from natural plants had high biological activities, and exhibited different properties depending on each kind of pigments. Therefore these plant resources, having active functional components, can be used as excellent materials for natural cosmetics and food supplements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of dissolved hydrogen (DH) content and zinc addition on the corrosion behavior of type 316 stainless steel was investigated in the primary water environment of pressurized water reactors. The coupled effect, as well as the individual effect of increasing DH concentration and zinc addition, was investigated. Increasing DH from 25 (normal) to 50 (high) cc/kg-H 2 O resulted in 3 times thicker oxide layer. With the addition of 30 ppb zinc, the oxide layer became substantially thinner in both normal and high DH conditions. The measured electrochemical properties of oxide layers were in agreement with the observed corrosion behavior such that the zinc incorporated oxide film showed significant increase in reaction resistance and bode impedance value. Meanwhile, both reaction resistance and bode impedance slightly decreased with increasing DH concentration. Overall, the best corrosion resistance was observed in the simulated PWR environment with normal DH concentration and zinc addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]